The Unusual Uchiha

by makoto x chelia

Aspiring to be a great Ninja like his elder brother Shisui, Ryouta Uchiha embarks on a painful journey of discovery and to hone his skills in order to fight the darkness that plagues his clan and the world.

21. Chapter 21

Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!

Castor115; Yeah, it was touching, and indeed, he's on the path to happiness again...too bad for the Uchiha downfall though, huh.

Harem Master123; Yeah, he's feeling better...well, at least as much as he can. And indeed, they did kiss one another. Hmmm, it seems that something has happened to Danzo, huh. And yeah, Tsume surely is an interesting woman, huh, and that would be interesting, though I have plans for Mikoto in the future. I have plans for Obito alright, though that particular detail hasn't been decided yet. Cool suggestions!

Hellspam; I'm glad that you liked it! Yeah, it certainly did after...wow, twenty chapters.

Cloud4012; Yeah, I thought it would be good to show such a scene, or scenes I guess, and yeah he's on the road to recovery...but there's that pesky coup that's still happening. Yeah, I thought that both of them would find comfort with one another, with Shisui's death, and Fugaku's actions that Satsuki knows about. Yeah, I've got most of them planned out, and all are different so it's going to be fun reading about them, I hope anyway hehe~

Dwiggy; Actually...they're seven years old, just to state their ages. That was more innocent than anything, they didn't actively come onto him, and he asked them to be there for him, even Mikoto adding how she lost her top, since she didn't know how and Izumi is technically still a girl herself, only being 13 so I don't know if it could be classed as that, though she hasn't done anything inappropriate towards him. Izumi is interesting, and it's apart of her character, she isn't actually serious about doing things with him, she just has an overactive imagination. The love she has for Ryouta, is purely that of a younger brother and older sister, the younger brother who'd she do anything for, which you'll see in the story. The kiss, was to show them bonding together, and it wasn't as sexual as you might think. They didn't enter one another's mouths with their tongues or anything like groping. And as for Sakura, she doesn't love him, she has a crush on him which will grow to love in the future, and seven year olds can as anyone can, their's was just more childish than full on resentment that adults shared about him.

Anime PJ; Hehe, I'm glad that it was that beautiful. Yeah, it was a good heart warming chapter alright, I thought that after the sadness, Ryou deserved some happiness, and Satsuki got what she wanted, huh. And you've got me, I haven't a clue on why you thought that, though I listened to it when reading your review, and could see why you did. He certainly is alright, anyone would kill to have her in your bed...and yeah, he's not now, in the future though, he will be~

War sage; Thanks, and I'm glad that you did.

Naroku; Well, he isn't completely, but yeah he's on the road alright. Yeah, it starts soon, don't worry~ Cool suggestions.

ShadowUzumaki55; No worries~ Thanks, I'm glad I could ignite feelings like that within you. Yeah, he's on the road alright, but there's always dark turns around the corner, and his friends will help him, like Sakura did. Yeah, while she doesn't love him or anything like that, she has begun to notice, certain things about herself, and him as well. Aah, yes. The fireworks, I thought that would be a good sight for the village to see alright. And indeed, it did bring everyone together alright, and it did show those idiots that ever second guessed him. Cool suggestions!

Ragna; You've got a point alright. Thanks!

Jack; I'm glad that you loved everything, and it's nice to see ya back lol. Yeah, that's gonna be starting this chapter.

Lightwave; Yeah, he's getting better alright. Yeah, he doesn't understand the circumstances just yet, but he will do in the future. I thought that as well, I wanted to do something like that to make it clear to the village that Ryou does indeed, love his brother, and wouldn't harm him. Hehe, exactly. It was building up alright. Cool suggestions!

Guest 1; You never know, you could be right, or wrong. But that's a good argument, and indeed, if you looked at it from that angle, it would seem quite possible.

Guest 2; Yeah, it's going to be good/bad depending on how you think about it. I've already said that after the Uchiha incident, I will be skipping straight to canon after a chapter or two after said incident, and those chapters wee, necessary. If they weren't, i wouldn't of wrote them. Eeh, sorry but I wont be doing that, as that who the character is and if you don't like it, then I'm sorry. Maybe I will make his hair like that, and he can be quite intimidating when he needs to be, but he hasn't needed to be yet, besides some incidences, which he was quite intimidating.

Neonlight01; Yeah, she certainly is alright. Yes, I thought that it would be a good scene to do, not just with Ryou, but everyone (of relevance) could be shown and see them coming together. I was actually drawing on personal experience there, as something like that (not completely like that but similar) happened to me when I was around seven years old, so it was inspired by that. Hmmm, you'll have to wait, and see who that person was, it will be revealed in time. Yeah, it's going to be different from canon at least, though some will die. Cool suggestions!

AlphaOmega; Yeah, it's getting better for him, at least a little better. And yeah, Sakura showed her stuff alright, and how much she values her friendship with him (even a little more than that haha). Yup, she's falling in love with his smile, alright. Well, he's moving on at least. That person will be revealed in time. Cool suggestions, and yeah, that sounds good as well!

Jugar38; Well, he was happy, but he couldn't express it well, due to everything that had happened to him. Yeah, I thought that it would be nice for Sai to do that, and Satsuki moved forward in her relationship with him. Thanks, I thought that it would be nice to include such a scene and showing not just Ryou, but others as well and how they liked it and such. Maybe one day she will~ Well, it's going to be slightly different to canon, so please don't dread it so much. Hmmm, it could be, or not. Can't say right now, all will be revealed soon enough~ He's doing what Shisui would want, and while he's still in pain, he's trying his best to come to terms with it all. Exactly, if everything was 'perfect' then the story wouldn't be interesting. And thank you very much!

Skull Flame; I suppose that it would be hehe~ Well, I am glad that you liked it, thought that it would be a good way to show everyone that he loves Shisui. and that stranger, I wonder who it was? Canon will be starting soon after the Uchiha downfall, and since this chapter starts the downfall, not long. Wow, those ideas are pretty unique, I didn't even know most of them, shows my Naruto trivia, huh. And I lol'ed when I read Chiyo for the first time, not seeing the Princess bit straight away. Yeah, I'd like that as well, but I haven't decided who from the Akatsuki it could be. And it is exactly as you say. And lastly, thanks!

With those lovely reviews out of the way, it's time to start the next chapter!

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The Uchiha downfall part 1

With the Uchiha clan...

"In five days, we'll be launching the coup." Fugaku began, looking around and seeing all of his subordinates, Itachi, and even Mikoto surprisingly, and smirked. "We've lost Shisui Uchiha, we're down our usual battle strength. However, if we attack in five days, we'll have the element of surprise. They wont see it coming. So the time to strike is now, we've got to make them submit before the weeks over."

Fugaku finished as most people gasped, Mikoto shaking her head in disgust, Itachi wishing he could do the same but held himself back, and placed a calming hand on his mothers shoulder, and looked reassuringly at her.

Around the silent gathering hall, quite a number of Uchiha had gathered. Most of the people here were people that of people who serve under Fugaku directly, but some like Mikoto were genuinely worried, and wanted to know what was happening, so they could secure their families safety.

"Fugaku-sama, in five days? Why that long? Why don't we strike now, while the iron is hot?"

One member of the Uchiha asked the leader.

Said leader looked at the man, and smiled sinisterly.

"It's simple. Because, by that time, it will be the weekend. According to intel, and what we've learned from Itachi, security is lax around the Hokage during the eve of Saturday, at least lax enough for us to strike with the least amount of causalities. So, we'll be striking by then and striking fast and hard. We need to take out the higher ranking Shinobi at first, and then the rest will surely fall. If we went now, their security would be the highest. If they have full military on their side, we'd surely fall, that's why we have to strike when they are the weakest. Fortunately, they haven't discovered that we know about this weakness, so we have the edge here."

All of the Uchiha seemed to be satisfied with that answer, all that is besides Mikoto and Itachi. Those two didn't like this one bit, they thought it was quite disgusting how Fugaku could say all of these things about Uchiha, and about the village, something they're apart of, and how they're going to kill everyone.

The only reason Mikoto doesn't say anything, is because she couldn't take on all of the Uchiha. She knows that they are stronger than she is, and if she had the power to stop the coup, then she'd do it straight away. But right now, she only came to the meeting, because she was looking for away to protect the people precious to her, which did not include Fugaku.

However, she was also stuck with not saying anything about it to the Hokage. If she did, and she was found to be a traitor within the clan, Fugaku would have her killed, and she needed to stay around...no, she wanted to stay around for her family, Ryou, and others that she cares about as well. However, she wasn't going to stay silent about everything, as she had people that she needs to protect.

"Fugaku, if you don't mind answering me, what's going to happen to the children during all of this? Are they going to be in the middle of this? Are they...going to be dragged into this? Are they going to be sacrificed in the future of this coup?"

Fugaku casually glanced at Mikoto, and instantly, it was obvious that there was animosity within the room...between the two of them.

Mikoto had calm eyes, yet also stern as well. She clearly didn't want to fight with Fugaku more than necessary, but she had the children to protect in all of this. They were innocent, more innocent than anything, and she didn't mean just Satsuki or Ryouta, she meant all Uchiha children. She'd be damned if something happened to them all.

Fugaku had raging eyes, eyes that wanted Mikoto to leave, but out of respect to her position within the clan, he decided to allow her to stay within the clans Compound, but he didn't like it one bit, as all feelings of love had been replaced with annoyance for the woman.

Within the room, most Uchiha noticed that the two had dislike for one another. Itachi also noticed it, and continued looking between the two, hoping that nothing was going to come up, at least about their personal life.

"Do not worry about the children. They'll all be evacuated to a safe place, along with none fighting Uchiha. Though, I'm sure you'll be with them as well, wont you Mikoto?"

"To keep them safe, yes. I would rather be with them than..." She paused, and looked at the clan, before suspiring in mild annoyance. "They're only innocent after all, we can't involve them with the darkness of the adults."

"I'm sure some of the children already know about the darkness of adults, wouldn't you agree Mikoto?"

Fugaku countered, it being painfully obvious that he was referencing a certain boy, something Mikoto frowned at.

"Unfortunately yes. Some children do have to suffer at a young age due to ignorant, narrow minded people, Fugaku. I'm sure that you know what that's like, yes?"

Without covying words to her, Fugaku sneered at the woman, and she did the same, having a conversation with their eyes. To most, it was obvious that they were fighting again, and while no one commented on it, they were growing increasingly worried for Fugaku, and his leadership.

Recoveringfrom the animosity, more questions came for Fugaku.

"Fugaku-sama, what about the weapons? Have we gathered enough?"

An elderly Uchiha, the one that hit Ryouta with the rock, questioned the leader of the clan.

Said leader nodded, and waved a hand through his hair.

"Yes, we've built up an arsenal. All Uchiha have been outfitted with weapons already, but we have several 100 paper bombs at the ready, and we also have many scrolls taking in about 30 weapons each in the smaller scrolls, and 120 in the large scrolls. All in all, we've got the weapons front."

The elder nodded at the man in content, satisfied that he was happy with what was going to happen.

"Fugaku-sama, I have to ask, who is going to be on the front lines?"

A middle aged man questioned while slowly thumbing his hair.

Fugaku glanced at the man, and around the hideout they were in, and then nodded to himself.

"The close range fighters will be on the front lines, that includes Itachi." Itachi lowered his head, as Mikoto dipped her own sadly for her son, and rubbed his back comfortingly. "Is that okay with you Itachi? You're pivotal to the fight now, since Shisui is gone. You're one of the strongest, we need you by our side. You'll stand by our side, wont you?"

Itachi didn't say anything as a response, but he did incline his head in agreement, at least for now.

Seeing that, Fugaku smirked, and looked at Mikoto. Mikoto glared back at him and folded her arms in a defensive position. He then looked back at the rest of the clan, and continued on from where he left off.

"He'll lead a unit on the battlefield when the time comes. He's our best bet at getting through their defences. However, he'll also be backed up by some of my personal trained Uchiha. I'll be leading the battle by staying in the back with personal body guards. We'll also have the long ranged fighters high up in the village, so their destructive power ewould be doubled. Then, to add to that, we'll also be using the aforementioned paper bombs to use them in tandem with the Fire Release Jutsu's. More of who will do what during the coup will also be told at a later date, once I have come up with the perfect plan. For now, this is the plan, more to be expanded on later on."

All, but some, Uchiha agreed with Fugaku, seeing it as a (so far) sound plan. They couldn't see the flaws in the plan, and they didn't see any reason to not doubt Fugaku either...until someone opened their mouths, and raised objections.

"Fugaku-sama, while I indeed respect you. Recently, people have started to wonder...if you can actually lead this plan and this clan as a whole."

Fugaku was enraged by what the man said, anf bared his teeth.

"Is my judgment impaired in someway I don't know? Does my personal life interfere with my professional life? If that's the case, then please speak up now. I would like to hear what you have to say, and I will answer any and all questions that leads you to believe that my abilities for leadership have changed."

At that, everyone kept their mouths shut. They didn't know what to say to it. They didn't want to anger the middle aged man, nor did they wish to be on the receiving end of his wrath.

Mikoto resisted the urge to snort and wore a smirk, while Itachi looked slightly worried about what was going to happen. Unlike Mikoto, who was still angry at Fugaku, Itachi could see that if they revolt against Fugaku, the Uchiha could move in a different, not predicable way, and right now he was counting on that predictability.

Eventually, a brave (foolish) Uchiha decided to voice his opinions.

"From looking at your household, you've lost your wife, and female child. Itachi only seems to be here because of his Okaa-san so you've lost him as well. If you cannot control your family, how would you lead the coup?"

"He's right, if you cannot keep your family in check, what about the rest of us?"

Another one argued and that igited more and more Uchiha to come out with their worries as well.

"We need a strong leader."

"If you can't keep a family together, what makes you think we can trust you?"

"We need the powerful leader, Fugaku-sama. And we're not sure that's you."

"You've lost your family, are we going to lose a leader as well?"

More and more Uchiha began to doubt Fugaku, who was slowly but surely losing the support of fellow Uchiha, and that was worrying him more than anything else. If he lost his supporters, then the coup wouldnt go to plan, and he might lose his position, and even Fugaku knew that if someone took his place, it could be someone more ruthless than he is.

As Fugaku looked on with worried eyes, but a stone face, Itachi looked around the room, and folded his arms and released a breath out of his nose in slight frustration.

"If this continues on, something disastrous could happen, and if Tou-san is dethroned, as it were, we could be facing a potentially worse situation." Itachi put a finger to his lips, and fully opened his eyes. "Excuse me, but my Otou-san is a fine leader. You shouldn't doubt him. You haven't doubted him in the past, you shouldn't doubt his skills now."

Even though it pained Itachi, he had to speak out. He knew of the implications of what would happen if he didn't speak out, so he decided to speak (somewhat) of his thoughts.

Most Uchiha (Mikoto included) looked stunned by what Itachi said, though his father looked relieved that his son was defending him like this, and was appreciative.

"What gives you the right to say that?"

One elder defended, but Itachi wore a scowl.

"In the past, Otou-san has steered us in the right direction. He fought for us, and guided us to what we are today. The Uchiha clan are still standing tall, and his making plans for us to have a...better future. So do not doubt my Otou-san again. No matter my parents personal situation, I still follow the leader of this clan."

Itachi finished off, and had to resist the urge to cringe, but fortunately, thanks to his years of wearing a stoic face, he was able to keep up his normal facade, and that seemed to convince some people.

However, some of the more suspicious ones didn't fall for Itachi's words and decided to voice their own opinions.

"For a fledging Uchiha, you seem to have a good grasp on your families lives."

"My age doesn't have anything to do with grasping such an easy concept. Family, and the clan, are different things." Itachi answered straight away to the middle aged Uchiha man who said that comment. "My Otou-san hasn't lost any ability to lead the clan, just because he is having problems with my Okaa-san."

"Even if you say that, you can't know for sure."

Another Uchiha raised their objections to Itachi who mentally sighed to himself.

"I can't know for sure, but has he shown any difference in his leaderships skills from now to the time before my parents spilt up?" No Uchiha answered, so Itachi took that as a sign and continued. "Then, you cannot doubt him for his personal life. If you disagree with me, then ask Okaa-san herself. If you don't believe me, then you have to believe her, as right now, she isn't my Otou-sans favourite, and he isn't hers either."

Everyone turned to Mikoto, and awaited an answer.

Mikoto herself looked at her son, and wore a confused expression.

Itachi took a quick glance at his mother, and without saying anything, he sent information to her from his eyes.

Mikoto carefully studied the look that she was getting from her son, wondering what he was up to. But a few seconds later, it clicked within her brain, and she silently agreed to what Itachi wanted.

"Well, Mikoto? What do you say in response to the question your son gave you?"

One of the more cynical Uchiha questioned the woman sternly, something Mikoto found to be annoying.

Swallowing her pride, and trying to bite back the bile raising within her, she answered.

"Fugaku's qualities as a husband decreased, not the way he leads the clan. We have personal problems that have nothing to do with the way he leads the clan. It isn't a secret that I do not believe in this coup, and I think we shouldn't go through with it. However, I am not the leader of the clan. So while our family might have broken apart, that hasn't got anything to do with the clan. You all, can follow Fugaku if you wish. He's still the same man that he was before our marriage effectively ended, so it shouldn't make you distrust him."

Though it pained her to say it, she had to say it.

Itachi wanted her to say it, even if she doesn't know why, exactly, but since her son wanted her to do it, and he looked pretty adamant about it, she thought that it would be best to go along with what Itachi said.

Hearing what she had to say, all of the Uchiha nodded, seeing that she was being truthful (as best she could under the circumstances) and went along with Fugaku, seeing that even if his estranged wife says that he hasnt changed, there is no reason to doubt him.

"Now, with the air being cleared, it is time to discuss more about the coup."

Like that, Fugaku began discussing the coup in finer detail as best as he could.

Soon after that, the meeting ended, and everyone left the meeting area, leaving only Fugaku inside, who contemplated many things on his own. He thought about how Itachi and Mikoto defended him, and smirked at that thought. Only for him to be unaware that they didn't do for him, they did it for personal reasons.

Outside of the clan hideout, Mikoto and Itachi stood together. After making sure that they were alone, Mikoto began a conversation.

"Itachi, I went along with what you wanted, and I can only take a guess on what it is. Can you confirm it, Itachi?"

Mikoto questioned, wanting to know the truth.

Itachi looked around once more, making sure that they were indeed alone, and when he didn't see anything, he divulged the information to Mikoto herself, leaving out parts that she didn't need to know about.

"Yes, it is as you suspect. He's on the verge of losing the clan. While I also disagree with him, Okaa-san. I can also see that right now, he is the best suited for the role. If someone else gets the role of clan leader, many more people could suffer than just the people we know. It could be many people throughout the lands. The Sharingan is strong, and if Uchiha use it against other villages, not just ours, it could turn into another war."

Mikoto sighed in acknowledgment, knowing that her son was right on the money with what he said.

"I see, so that is the case after all. Thank you for indulging me, Itachi. I do not know what you have planned, but I know that you do. Whatever it is, please make sure that the least amount of blood is shed."

"You have my word, Okaa-san. Do not worry, I will make sure that the innocent don't have to suffer from the guilty. Do not concern yourself Okaa-san, please just make sure that you stay safe. Satsuki, and Ryou are going to need you."

"Yes...I will stay safe, you as well my son."

Itachi showed a small smile, consenting with what she said, and took a couple of steps back.

"Since the...coup could be happening soon, I have something I need to teach...Ryou. Since it was my fault..."

"No Itachi, Shisui-sans unfortunate accident wasn't your fault." Mikoto comforted and edged forward, and showing a caring smile. "Ryouta-kun doesn't blame you, so you shouldn't blame yourself either. Please don't worry about such things. It was a tragic event, but things will look up. Even Ryouta-kun is smiling more, at least better than he was previously."

Hearing the words of his mother, Itachi could breathe a little easier.

"Thank you, Okaa-san. You're right, Ryou doesn't blame me...but I do still feel guilty about it. If I had made some more deceive actions, the result could've been different. That's why I have resolved myself to giving that boy, something Shisui can no longer give him. Even if I am an inadequate substitute."

Itachi explained while feeling guilt ridden. While he knew what his mother was saying was the truth, he couldn't help but feel guilty about, many things that have happened.

Mikoto gently smiled, and shook her head, her shoulders raising up as well.

"Not at all, Itachi. You're very skilled, and I am proud of you, and your gentle heart. You might deny you have it, but I am your Kaa-san, and I know best after all. I know of your kindness, and if you didn't possess it, you wouldn't bother with helping Ryouta-kun, or worrying about my well being."

"Yes...thank you. Now I have to go, there's things I need to teach, Ryou. And I am sure that Izumi would like to come along as well."

"Hehe, then go and have a good time. Next time, take Satsuki with you."

Itachi froze, but then nodded and left his mother alone, jumping away as quick as lightning, leaving Mikoto slightly stunned by why Itachi didn't answer her, but didn't think much of it as she left the area herself, going back to Satsuki.

---

Two days later, in the woods...

"Move your wrist like this, then rotate your body downwards. Like this, you become like a flowing wave, always agile, always flowing and ebbing. It's a perfect motion, and if you become like this, you'll be able to move effortlessly, flawlessly, just like a stream, like the one we're standing in."

Itachi advised Ryou as they both stood in the middle of a small stream that came up to Ryouta's knee caps in the middle of a forest, with a tanto in hand, them both wearing nothing but their boxers, as per Itachi's orders so they don't get their clothes wet.

It has been just over two weeks since Ryou made his declaration to the village, and said his goodbye. Though he felt slightly better for doing it, he still felt like there was something missing within him. He didn't know what it was, and he didn't know if he would know anytime soon. But he knew that he had friends around him now...but he couldn't get a nagging feeling out of his heart, as if something bad was going to happen. It was a...feeling that wouldn't escape him. It was almost as if it was a premonition, but he didn't know of the dangers ahead of him.

"Yes Itachi-nii! I'll do as you ask!"

Ryou answered the man, and was ready to follow his actions.

Itachi was about to move, when something came to him, and decided to voice his opinions to the boy.

"Good boy, just follow my movements, and you'll soon be using a blade. Actually, use the Sharingan to help you. It will allow you to see all of my movements to the finest detail. Don't forget that the Uchiha have the Sharingan for a reason. It is a weapon, exactly like the tanto in your hand. A Ninja knows when to use weapons to their disposal, and the Sharingan is no exception. It would be...wasted if it wasn't used upon unlocking it. It would be as if a Hyuga doesn't use their Byakugan, it wouldn't make sense. So, if you can and are able to use it, you might as well use it."

Itachi explained to the boy, who gave a thumbs up and activated his Sharingan,to reveal it's fully matured state.

As soon as Itachi saw it, the memory of what happened during the night with Shisui was flooded into his mind. He then remembered the shape of Ryouta's Mangekyou, and lowered his head, in the fact that he had to go through something so terrible, as to awaken such a power.

"I'm glad that he doesn't remember about his new eyes...it would be problematic for...him if he did. Especially with that...person...no, I wont allow anyone to take his eyes...or find out about them either."

Itachi thought bitterly, and had noted something within himself, and shook his head, determined to protect Ryou the best that he could.

Though Ryou was ignorant of what Itachi was thinking about, and gave the boys a thumbs up.

"Yes Itachi-nii! I will use my Sharingan whenever I can! I can keep it active for awhile, you know?"

Itachi smiled and then got to work with Ryou following after him.

"That's a good Ryou, use your Sharingan, and who knows, maybe one day you'll truly become a Dragon."

Those words hit Ryou, like a truck and made him take a couple of steps backwards. It wasn't how he said it, or the way he made eye contact either. It was due to the fact that Shisui said that to Ryouta a lot, and how it made him feel inside, some of those heartwarming emotions coming back to him.

"Become a Dragon...huh..."

He muttered with a far off look in his eyes, but Itachi caught it, and inclined his head.

"You can already breathe fire, you've got keen eyesight like a Dragon. You've got a small body it is true, but you're very fast for your age, exactly like a Dragon's swiftness. You can use kunai like claws, like Dragon claws. And your defence isn't bad either, like true Dragon scales. In legend, Dragons are said to be powerful and untamable beasts, however there's also another legend that says while they're powerful, they are kind hearted as well as pure hearted and I think that sums you up quite perfectly. All you're missing is the ability to fly, though some Dragons can't...hmmm, maybe you're a Dragon after all."

Ryouta blushed brightly at what Itachi had said, purely because he was likened to such a beast, and how strong it was, something Ryouta wanted to be in the future as well.

"W-Well...I wanna make Shi-nii proud of me...I want to aim to become a truly powerful Dragon one day. One that protects everyone, and makes sure that no one has to be sad anymore...I don't want anyone to ever cry again, unless they are tears of happiness."

He said with a big, and bright smile on his lips, declaring it straight to Itachi, and whoever else was listening to him right now. He would even declare it brightly to anyone important if he had too.

Hearing that, Itachi smiled and chuckled deeply.

"Yes, and with time, you'll surely reach that status. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if you do become one of the strongest Uchiha that the clan has seen. You've shown such promise for someone so young. Shisui once told me that he could see you becoming Jonin at the age of ten...though he does...did tend to exaggerate things..."

Ryouta smiled at what Itachi said, agreeing with him wholeheartedly.

"Yeah, Shi-nii did tend to do that, and he did say the strangest things. Like, I mean he told me that I would be having many women in my life...why would I want something like that? What can girls do for me? I've got..." His face flushed when he remembered the kiss he shared with Satsuki, and bit his lower lip as to not allow a squeal to escape his mouth. "I-I've got Izumi-nee that takes care of everything that I need, and Mikoto-san is great as well. So, I don't get what other girls could do for me."

Itachi's face turned upwards, and he remembered Shisui often saying that Ryou is going to have a harem, and he remembered how Shisui often discussed it with Izumi, and himself as well.

"Yes...for now, girls wont be able to do much for you, in a personal sense. When you grow up though, I'm sure that you'll understand what your Onii-sama was trying to do for you. Maybe it will even happen, who knows. Anyway, as I was saying, Ryou. You're quite skilled for someone your age, but do not...and I mean, never, become cocky and overconfident in your own abilities. Remember this. There's always someone stronger than you are, and if you go into this Shinobi world with the mentality that you're the best and you couldn't possibly lose, you'll die, unless you're extremely lucky, and even if you are lucky, you'll have an unfulfilled life with nothing but emptiness inside your heart."

Ryou listened to Itachi's words seriously, them being forced to stay within his mind, not that he minded. He liked how Itachi said it, and how he would always remember what Itachi taught him.

"Yes...Itachi-nii, I remember. I wouldn't ever flaunt my own power, and I wouldn't underestimate my opponents either...however, I wont give up either. There are going to be times when I can't run...when my friends are in danger. If that happens...then I will defend them with my life, just like Shi-nii did! While I'm not Shi-nii...I do believe in his ideals, and his words always give me strength to continue on...if I didn't have them, I wouldn't be able to continue on."

Itachi's face couldn't help but smile at the words he gave, finding them to be very...Shisui like, and likewise, having been rubbed off on Ryouta himself. While they were two different people with different morals, and other qualities, he could see the same spirit within the two, that wouldn't ever abandon a comrade, and wouldn't give up when someone's life is in danger. Qualities like that, made Itachi smile and close his eyes in happiness.

"Yes, that's a good ideology to have, Ryou. I'm sure Shisui would've been proud to hear you say these things. Now, lets begin again."

Itachi raised his tanto and cracked open his eyes to reveal the Sharingan, Ryou mimicking that action and showing his own Sharingan as well.

"Right, Itachi-nii! I'll do it!"

Itachi looked proud of the boy, before they got to work.

Using slow movements, the boys waved the blades through the water, lifting up the water, the liquid dripping off the blade. Twirling around in spot, their backs bent as their right leg was lifted, the blade stabbing the water from under the raised leg, piercing the water, only to raise the blade, and bring the water with them, making it look like a beautiful dance.

Their bodies moved together, as if it was a mirrored reflection. They moved together, flowing together, and perfectly replicating the others movements. If Ryouta was taller, it would appear as if there were two of the same person moving, if looked at by a distance.

"Itachi-nii, this is quite the...movements alright. But they aren't that fast."

Ryou pointed out with a curious look in his eyes.

Itachi released a single breath, and continued moving effortlessly.

"It's because once you Master the slow movements, the speed will surely follow. If we went fast, you might make a mistake. I did, when I was younger. I almost stabbed myself with the blade, and the blade didn't even have a pointed end. So you can only imagine how embarrassed I was when I saw Shisui's laughing face."

Itachi shared with Ryou who raised his eyebrows then smiling happily and mimicked his actions.

"Hehe, that doesn't sound like you Itachi-nii. But it is something of a funny story, Itachi-nii. You should share more funny stories, I like your sense of humour. It's...different yet refreshing as well."

"I suppose it is different. Alright, when we're alone like this, I don't mind showing you a...different side to me than others see. It would be...as Shisui would say, breaking the stone wall, and showing what's behind it."

Itachi agreed, showing less of his facade, and more of a smile than he had ever shown before. Seeing it, Ryou felt happy that Itachi felt comfortable enough to show him what he was truly feeling.

"That's better Itachi-nii~ It's better when you smile~"

"Is it really?"

Itachi was dumbfounded by what he said, and could only look on with bemused eyes.

Ryou nodded his head, and stuck up his thumb.

"It surely is alright! You've got a good smile Nii-chan! I'm sure that Nee-chan agrees with me as well!"

Bemusement filled Itachi's eyes as he slowly was tempted to laugh.

"Well, if both Izumi and you agree that I've got a good one, then I will only show it you two, and Satsuki as well."

Ryouta beamed at the elder, a smile gracing his lips as he looked right back at the child. In a strange way, it was as if they were bonding better than they had ever planned before.

However, in the midst of bonding, Ryou had a thought, and decided to voice it to Itachi himself.

"Itachi-nii, when you were my age, you had already graduated the Academy, didn't you?"

"Yes, that's right. But that was a special case. It was...something that happened. Actually, it was in part thanks to Shisui that I was able to, as when I was your age, Shisui taught me many things, even how to use Ninja tools. He'd show me slight of hand techniques, like this."

Itachi stopped momentarily, and brought out some kunai, then with a complex finger movement, the kunai retracted into his palm, disappearing from view, only for Itachi to move closer to Ryou, and then seemingly pull a kunai out of mid air from behind the boys head as if by magic.

"H-How did you do that? You didn't even use any chakra or anything. I remember Shi-nii doing something like that...but he never told me how to do it. So...how did you do it?"

"Hmm, it was...slight of hand, after all. I'll teach it you, later if you like?"

Upon hearing that, Ryou bounced upwards, and smiled directly at Itachi, said man smiling at the sight.

"You're the best Itachi-nii! Thank you!"

Itachi chuckled at the boy, and released a small breath through his nose.

"It's...not a problem. Don't worry so much about it. Now, lets continue."

Ryouta nodded at the elder and they continued doing their exercises with the blade, ever flowing and moving elegantly with the blade. All of the time they moved together, their eyes never left the others, as if they were making sure that they were together.

To the side, sitting on a rock was Izumi, who was dressed in a short skirt, and a tank top that bared her midriff, the colour black being the dominant colour, though it had a red outline on the skirt, and the Uchiha symbol on the back of the tank top.

All around her, were many different coloured liquids, in test tubes. Books of various medical natures hung around her, as she studied one carefully, mixing some of the strange liquids together.

"I see, so if I mix this green one, with this yellow one, it should cause this reaction. Hmmmm, yes. This will be useful alright. Hehe, this is going to be a good one alright. Yeah, this is amazing." She giggled happily, and looked at the two boys practicing together, smiling softly at the sight. "Those two really are my guys alright, such a cute pair together...we're just like a family alright...and it helps that Itachi-kun is like really naked bar a pair of underwear that leaves nothing to the imagination. Such a good shot for Izumi~ And Ryouta-kun looks cute in his too~"

She thought kindly with a smile, then lowered her face and looked into the book she had on her lap, and continued reading quietly, loving the feeling that she had inside of her chest right now.

She then looked upwards again, and finished mixing her liquids with adding a little more of some others to finish it, and shaked it around, until it came a dirty brown colour. Seeing that, Izumi took a small needle, dipped the needle in the liquid, and made sure that it was infused into the weapon, without dripping's so it couldn't drip onto her, while still be effective, wont hurt her.

Nodding to herself, she called out to Itachi.

"Baby, could you make a sturdy Shadow Clone for me again please? Preferably one that doesn't disappear so quickly?"

She kindly asked to the boy, who stopped his actions, and looked at her with a scared gaze, something that no one would ever expect on Itachi's eyes, much less to the amount that he was displaying right now.

"Another one, really? Do I have to go through it again?"

Izumi nodded seriously, and showed the needle she had just dipped into the poison.

"Please baby? I need to test this out on a living person, and a Shadow Clone will have to do. I don't want to hurt you or anything. I just want to see if the effects are as I hope they'll be. So will you pretty please help me Itachi-kun who is like the greatest boyfriend in the universe~?"

Itachi grimaced, and shivered at the way Izumi said that, and even though she was his girlfriend, right now he was quite frightened of Izumi, and her various poisons, all which have different effects on him.

"But you do realize that each time you do it, it makes me feel like I've experienced the actual...whatever you're doing to them? Even if I don't actually receive the symptoms, it makes me feel like I do."

Izumi put on a pout, and gained watery eyes, as Ryou giggled softly, seeing the sights before him.

"Pretty please Itachi-kun? I really need to do this. I have my exam in a few days, I need to be ready for all of the questions that they're going to give me, and you know that I learn better by seeing rather than reading about it. So pretty please baby who I love more than anything else in this world..." Ryou looked downwards, so Izumi quickly waved a hand in front of her face. "B-Besides Ryouta-kun that is~ You're both my guys, but only you are going to get my special loving Itachi-kun~" Itachi's face turned a slight tinge of pink as Ryou smiled happily, currently unaware of what Izumi was referring too. "So...baby, pretty please with sugar, rainbows and puppies and everything else that's freaking adorable on top?"

Izumi put on a cute face, Itachi wanting to relent as soon as he saw it, but he tried to fight back. However, Izumi saw the futile attempt to fight, so she smiled sweetly at him, lifting up her shoulders to show such a cute face and body that Itachi sighed in resignation.

"Fine, you win, for now."

Itachi couldn't help but give in, especially since it was Izumi who said it, and he sighed when he saw Izumi wearing a victory smile towards him, something that he regretted deeply.

"Yay! Then please get to work please! Also, make sure that it can survive. You know, without them disappearing so quickly, as I have to study the reactions to your...rather, the clones body so I can write it down and then know which is which and all that. I have to be prepared after all. I can't fall behind now."

Izumi finished off explaining, and showed a cute face, so Itachi would be more agreeable.

"Yeah, but why does it sound like you're a mad scientist right now?"

Izumi shrugged her shoulders, and then she wore a distorted grin while she suddenly made a toy cat appear by unknown means as a doctors coat appeared on her upper body, stroking the cats head and licked her lips at the same time.

"I do not know what you're referring too my sweet test subject...I meant, my adorable boyfriend."

Itachi became fearful and relented by put his hands together in the sign for the Shadow Clone Jutsu to be activated.

"Shadow Clone Technique." Activating the Jutsu, another Itachi appeared next to the real one. "Here, Izumi. Just make sure that he...rather I doesn't suffer too much." Izumi nodded, and did a peace sign. Seeing that, Itachi turned back to Ryouta again who was waiting patiently for the couple to finish. "Then Ryou, lets get back to training, yes?"

"Mmmhmmm! Lets get to it Itachi-nii! Since Nee-chan is working hard, we have to work just as hard as well!"

Nodding at the younger, the elder went back to teaching Ryou how to use a sword, and other things as well. With well timed swipes of the sword, the water around them danced, showing beautiful colours that thanks to the sun, reflecting off the water around them, showing all the colours of the rainbow.

While that was happening, Izumi got to work with her poison, but had to stare at the boys for a few seconds, and wished that she could take a picture to save this moment.

Shadow Clone Itachi walked over to Izumi, and sat next to her.

"Izumi, what do you want me to do exactly? Should I...rather, do I do anything special for this...whatever it is?"

Clone Itachi questioned the young woman, who winked and twirled a pen in one hand, a pad on her lap, and the needle in the other hand, the hand closest to Itachi's clone, who looked slightly fearful of the young girl.

"I merely wish for you to describe to me what's happening within you as I stab you with this needle, that's all. I'm going to record the finding's down, and if it gets too much, just say, and I will stab you to disperse you, or something like that. Is that okay with you clone of my boyfriend?"

Said clone of Itachi, nodded once, and looked downwards, ready for anything the girl was ready to dish out to him.

"I'm ready."

He resigned to his fate, knowing that she was going to inject him whether he wanted it or not. He was just thankful that he was a clone, and not the real one, never wanting to experience Izumi doing this to him.

"Good, then lets begin~"

She giggled out and looked at Itachi, as if he was her prey, something the clone caught, and raised eyebrows at.

Suddenly, Izumi's cheerful nature disappeared as she nonchalantly stabbed Itachi's clone in the leg, the poison entering him as he winced slightly, Izumi then looking at her lap, and the clone interchangeably.

"So, Clone-kun, can you describe what is happening with you right now?"

She asked with a serious face, as the clone waved a hand at her, indicating nothing was happening, until the corner of his mouth raised up, a small chuckle coming from his mouth.

"S-Sorry, it just felt like..." He trailed off, and a snicker escaped his lips. "Sorry, I didn't mean to chuckle..." He again trailed off, and held a hand to his mouth as small inconsistent laughs came out of his mouth. "Hahaha, I don't think the haha poison has done haha anything to hahaha me hahahahahaha!"

Soon after that, Itachi's clone burst out laughing, and fell to the ground, rolling around in stitches, holding his sides due to the laugher being too much for him, something Ryou from the side found to be funny and the real Itachi sweatdropping at the sight.

Izumi looked at the clone, and smiled sheepishly.

"Ooh no, this was supposed to make you cry, not laugh uncontrollably." She admitted to the laughing clone and wrote down the results, then took out another test tube, dipping in a needle and faced Itachi's clone. "Now, we have this one as well Itachi-kun's clone!"

Out of nowhere, Izumi stabbed the clone in the leg, causing the real Itachi to grimace at the sight, never having expected Izumi to do something so...cruel looking, and with her having an evil face on, it was something of a scary sight to see.

She took out the needle from the clone, and watched what happened next.

As the poison worked its way through the clone of Itachi, said clone stopped laughing but did giggle softly, and then grabbed his throat, as if he was choking.

"I-I can't breath..."

The clone rasped and chuckled out, clutching his own throat.

Izumi saw this, and wrote it down on her pad.

"At least this one is right this time. Yes, this one does cause the muscles in the throat to tighten, causing the sensation of strangulation. Okay, this next one should..."

"N-No more..."

The clone begged, but Izumi didn't hear it, and took out another needle that she prepared beforehand, and looked at Itachi's clone, winking happily.

"Don't worry baby, this one is a good one. It should make you feel warm in your chest. Yes, this one is made to calm patients down during operations and other times that they are panicked. It should be good for you baby."

She soothed the choking, laughing boy on the ground who wanted to desperately cry right now. He was so frightened and didn't want anything else to happen, even if he was a clone, the real Itachi made it so that it would stay around for awhile though could still be dispersed if something gave it a death blow.

Ignoring that struggle the clone had though, Izumi stabbed the clone in the shoulder this time, and awaited for the results to happen.

As the poison worked its way through Itachi's blood, another change happened within the clone, and this time he clutched his chest and laughed as loud as he could, while his throat continued to constrict.

"Itachi-kun, could you please tell me how you're feeling?"

She asked the clone kindly, and waited for his reply, putting her pen to her notepad.

The clone of Itachi's made grabbing motions upwards as it wriggled on the ground for help.

"B-B-BURNING!"

He cried out, unable to control it anymore while laughing at the same time. It was pure torture for Itachi's clone. Izumi didn't intend to make Itachi to cry and suffer like this, but she needed to know what they did, so she wasn't totally remorseful, but she did plan to make it up to Itachi whenever she could.

"Oops, sorry Itachi-kun. I didn't think that it would do that...though, I suppose that it would be useful in a fight, huh." She looked at Itachi, seeing him rolling on the ground with pain in his eyes and body, nodding to herself. "Definitely, this is going to be useful in a fight." She made a note of that, as Itachi twitched helplessly on the floor "Itachi-kun, want to go away now? You look to be in so much pain, and I can't take seeing you like this. So, please tell me if you want to go, alright sweetie?"

The clone nodded at her the best that it could, so Izumi walked over to the boy, and took out a kunai.

"P-Please..."

Izumi bowed her head apologetically, and got close to his ear.

"Don't worry clone baby, I will make sure real baby gets some special treatment for this. You've been really good, and lasted longer than I thought. Wow, Itachi-kun must've put special efforts into making you. Now Itachi-kun clone, you pass on knowledge to the original don't you?" The girl asked, the boy nodding with a pained smile, so Izumi leaned closer to his ear. "Now Itachi-kun, pass on this message to the real one..."

As she relied the message to the boy, despite the pain he was in, his face turned a little red at what she was saying, and how serious she really sounded right now. He was so shocked that he temporarily forgot that he was in such pain, but it soon came back to him as his eyes rolled into the back of his head, and he disappeared without Izumi doing anything.

The girl put a hand to her forehead, and muttered "Seems to do the job." and then went back to her research, making more and more strange poisons so she can experiment with them later on, and she was sure that Itachi was going to help her, if she needed it.

Back with the boys, said boys continued doing their actions. Each movement they made, made the water go with them. It was a wonderful sight to see, as if they danced together perfectly.

For Itachi, it was like training with Shisui again. Although Ryou, and Shisui are different people with different styles and quirks, Itachi could see Shisui in Ryou, evident by how he looked, and how similar his mannerisms are when Shisui was younger as well.

For Ryou, it reminded him of Shisui as well. Though, it was a different way than Itachi. Itachi, who arguably knew him just as well as Ryou, felt like an elder brother to Ryou, especially after losing his own elder brother, and Ryou wouldn't be afraid to admit that either, though he did feel guilty about the time he attacked him, and resolved himself to help him whenever he could to make up to him.

They went on for minutes, doing similar actions over and over again. While Ryou didn't see much point in it, Itachi knew the reasons, and wanted to make sure that they didn't rush anything, so Ryou could keep up, and learn what Itachi was telling him.

Though while they were doing it, Itachi's clones memories suddenly came back to him, and he grimaced at what Izumi made the clone do, and then he got hit with the wave of what she told the clone, and his face turned a little red.

"Itachi-nii, are you feeling ill? Your face has suddenly turned a little red."

Ryouta pointed out while swinging his tanto around quite elegantly.

Itachi looked at him, and was about to make up an excuse when he remembered what Izumi said, and had to look at her, said girl catching the boys eyes, and winked at him seductively, before turning her nose back to the books and various items around her.

Itachi then turned back to Ryou, and shook his head.

"N-No, it isn't anything like that. It's, just a little warm, don't you think so?"

Ryou touched his body, and shook his head in disagreement.

"I actually feel slightly cold...but that could be due to us being in our underwear...why is that again Itachi-nii?"

Itachi sighed, and explained to him.

"Because we're in water right now. We only have a single set of clothes, and if we get them wet, then it would be disastrous. We're going to be here till tomorrow, so we can't go back in wet clothing, you see?" Ryouta nodded in acceptance, Itachi then got close and whispered in his ear. "Besides, Izumi requested it. And since it is hard saying no to her, I thought that it wouldn't be so bad."

Ryou looked at Izumi, who caught the sight, and did the peace up sign, though didn't know what he was talking about, then he looked back at Itachi, and smiled softly, though with a hint of a playful tone.

"So, Itachi-nii is whipped then?" Itachi did a spit take and shook his head adamantly, but Ryou took this opportunity and grabbed onto Itachi's hand as he swung around, playfully singing. "Itachi-nii is whipped by Izumi-nee~ She's the Master of the relationship~ She's the boss of the relationship and Itachi-nii is the servant~"

"Hmph, just wait until Satsuki is old enough. She'll have you whipped in no time."

Ryou paled, and shivered slightly as Itachi wore a smirk, though he didn't even deny that he was indeed whipped by Izumi, something the girl herself caught, and started laughing to herself.

"M-Maybe so...but Satsuki-chan wouldn't whip me like that."

"No just another way..."

Izumi muttered to herself, as Itachi was thinking the same thing, and cocked up his eyebrows at the boy.

"By the way, Ryou. You've certainly cheered up recently. Why would that be?"

Itachi carefully asked, trying to make sure that he didn't set off any negative feelings within the boy, something that he didn't want to do at all.

"Yes...while it is still fresh in my mind, I have thought about what Shi-nii would want, and I have thought about how he would want me to be happy, even if he...wasn't here. But I can't...ever forget him, though."

"No, you shouldn't have to either." Itachi gently explained to the child who looked a little depressed. "He was a good Onii-sama to you, and he does love you. You don't ever have to worry about that."

"I don't worry about it Itachi-nii." Ryouta confirmed to the elder, and brought up his tanto. "So, are we going to be continuing now Itachi-nii? Or should I say Itachi-sensei~?"

Playfully, Ryou swung around his tanto, careful to not catch Itachi or anyone else in the swords path. Itachi looked at the blade being swung around, and mentally smiled at the sight.

"Itachi...whatever you wish. I do not mind which one you pick. Sensei, or Nii-chan is fine."

"Kay Nii-chan it is then!"

Ryouta replied to the elder boy, and then they got to work.

The day consisted of them training together, getting stronger and better together and even having practice matches against the other, though it was obvious that Itachi would win, Itachi could tell that Ryouta was gaining strength as the day went on. While Itachi didn't get much progress personally, he did know that he was helping Ryouta, and that was enough for him, seeing that he was gaining strength.

---

By the end of the day, both boys were panting quite heavily, more so in Ryouta's case than Itachi's, though Itachi wouldn't admit it, he did feel slightly exhausted by everything that he had done together today.

"I think that should be enough for today."

Itachi stated to the boy who fell to the ground in relief, that he could have a rest.

"Wow, that was tough Nii-chan. You're as unforgiving as always."

Ryouta complained as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Hmmm, that very well maybe the case, however you don't learn by going easy. It takes hard work and dedication to become a powerful Shinobi."

Ryou inclined his head in agreement, and sighed slightly.

"Yeah, I'm sure that it does Nii-chan. However, you didn't have to like knock me on my butt so much. I could barely get in two hits on you, and even then it was simply pure luck."

"Yeah, but I've been doing this a lot longer. In time, you'll become a fine Shinobi, I am sure of it." Itachi confessed to the blushing boy, then closed his right eye in a wink, at least as much as he could do. "But, you're good with the Sharingan. Your Genjutsu though, is quite powerful."

Itachi admitted, remembering how Ryou used Genjutsu just before and was slightly proud of that fact.

"Hehe, you can't give me credit for that. Shi-nii taught me how to use them with the Sharingan. If he didn't, I wouldn't have a clue on how to use them. But mine aren't exactly that strong, as you can break them easily."

"Yes, but I've got the Sharingan." Itachi began, stroking his hair. "It's easy for me to break them. If I didn't have that, it would be more difficult. From what I can see, your best illusions are...about mid level skill, however you waste too much chakra on creating them, therefore you'll not have much to fight with afterwards. Just like Ninjutsu and Taijutsu, Genjutsu can be just as good a weapon, however not many can use Genjutsu to such a degree, therefore it is one of the more overlooked abilities that a Ninja has. Your Nii-chan, Shisui was a Master of Genjutsu, more so than myself."

Itachi didn't mind admitting this fact. He was humble enough to admit that without his Mangekyou, Itachi wouldn't be able to create as strong illusions as Shisui could with his normal Sharingan, and if he was right, Ryou had the same talent to become just as skilled as a Genjutsu warrior.

"Nii-chan used to put me under Genjutsu sometimes, you know?"

Ryou suddenly confessed to the stunned Itachi.

"I...didn't know that. What did he show you?"

Itachi curiously asked, wanting to know more.

Ryou put a hand to his chin, and stroked softly.

"Hmmm. Many things. He used to use it on me so he could practice giving people good Genjutsu experiences when they were put under his spell, so to speak. Shi-nii was a...pacifist by nature, so he didn't like hurting his opponents if he could help it, and wanted to make sure that they didn't suffer more than they had too. It was...kind of him, no?"

"Hmm, that does sound like Shisui alright." Itachi chuckled slightly and stretched his limbs. "Yeah, Shisui would do something like that. Even to the enemy, he was kind, he was much more kinder than I am, and I am known for being a pacifist as well."

Ryouta could only nod at what the older was saying. Itachi was known for his pacifistic ways, and even Ryou knows that he would rather end it without bloodshed, and he was the same if he was honest with himself, but he also knew that sometimes things don't fall into place like that.

"Itachi-nii, this has been really nice, and I am grateful that you've decided to do this with me since you're quite strong and skilled. But I can't help but wonder..."

At that, he stopped, and didn't know how to ask as Itachi helped the poor child stand up, slightly wincing at the state he was in, but didn't regret his actions, as he didn't want to show Ryou that people are going to go easy on him because they like him.

He didn't want to be rude, especially since he did try and make Itachi kill him not long ago, and doesn't want to make Itachi feel anymore, uncomfortable than he already was under suspicion, and wouldn't want to add to his growing worries, but he didn't want to be in the dark about everything that was happening around him.

"But what?"

Itachi questioned as he stopped his sword, which was mere inches away from Ryouta's own blade. Then, the boy retracted his blade, and placed it to the side of him, Ryou mimicking his actions.

"Itachi-nii, why did you decide to train me like this on this day? Actually, why did you decide you train me at all? It isn't like you have to or anything, so I was just confused, that's all."

Ryou couldn't understand why Itachi had decided to do this.

Just the other day, Itachi suddenly approached Ryou who was just causally getting on about his business and said "I'm training you now." and then left without a word. It was only too confusing for Ryou, especially after everything that had happened. Because of what happened with Shisui, Ryouta never expected Itachi to take him under his wing, much less ever be kind to him.

"It's because I can, that's all." Itachi quickly replied, but it didn't satisfy Ryou, so the man bowed his head, and gestured the boy closer, who did what he wanted, and stood in front of Itachi, Itachi smirking down at the younger with a sly grin. "It's because I felt like I...I felt like I owed you to do something like this, and if I am to...lets just say I wish for you to be all you can be and I want to help you, that's all. Whether that be an obstacle or what have you, I wish to be that person that helps you gain strength."

"But...if that's the case, what about Satsuki-chan? Why didn't you want to train her as well? She'd love to...spend time with you, especially after her Otou-san was mean to her...so I don't get it..."

He was confused by it. Technically, Itachi didn't have a reason to train him, while he did Satsuki. Satsuki was his blood, and Ryou wasn't and to the boy, it seemed to be more logical to train her, rather than to train him.

Itachi looked to the side, releasing a small sigh from his lips.

"Satsuki is...while I could teach her, it's a fact that...it's hard for me to...what I'm trying to say is, you're different to Satsuki, and in the future, I will offer Satsuki the chance, should time be allowed, but right now, I'm merely continuing the teaching Shisui was going to give you, and at least, I can honour that request from him."

Itachi replied elusively, dodging the question that Ryou gave him somewhat, but Ryou knew that, and didn't say anything, as he didn't want to pressure Itachi, wanting to make the mans life more easier, especially with the stress that Ryouta knows Itachi has on his shoulders.

"I...see. So you're doing it for Shi-nii huh..."

"Yes, partly. But there's something that I want you to do for me as well."

That piqued Ryouta's interest, and he had to know more of what Itachi was saying.

"Hmmm? What are you asking all of a sudden?"

"Yes, I was wondering...no. I'm asking...Ryou, you care about Satsuki, don't you?"

Ryou blinked at the question, his eyes in a state of wonder at what Itachi had said, when he should already know the answer to it.

"Well, of course I do but what's this about?"

Itachi lowered his head, and showed his stone wall face.

"Yes...Ryou, you have to promise me that you'll always look after Satsuki. I'm aware that she has...she likes being with you, and I can tell it's the same for you. So, I'm asking that you always keep her safe, no matter what. I might not act like the desirable Onii-sama that she deserves, I do care about her, a lot. So that's why, I know that if something should happen to me, I can leave her in your care...I can leave her in your care, can't I?"

Ryouta blinked at the question, his eyes fluttering in confusion at what Itachi was asking him.

"O-Of course you can. I would even give my life for hers, since she means too much too me. But why are you...saying this? Has something happened Itachi-nii? Is...something happening?"

"No, of course not." Itachi replied with a blank face. "I'm just asking, Ryou. If anything was to happen to me, I want you to look after her, keep her safe, protect her, and always stand by her side as well. She cares deeply for you, and she wants to be with you, always. So, please honour this request for me."

Ryou was surprised that Itachi had started off cold, but then turned to sadness, and begging as well. He didn't know what to think about it, he was stunned by everything that was happening.

"I-I will always look after her, Itachi-nii. She's the...she's the girl that makes me feel good, and I hate it when she's sad. I always want to make her happy, and make sure that she has a good life as well. Don't worry Itachi-nii, I will make her happy and keep her safe always."

Hearing that, Itachi's face showed a genuine smile, and he rubbed the top of his head slowly, yet happily as well.

"I know that I could count on you for that Ryou. Yes, make sure that she's happy, and well looked after."

"Yes...but Itachi-nii, you didn't answer me. Is something happening? Please don't take me for a fool either. I want to know what's going on right now, please tell me what's going on. I wont stop asking until you tell me either so you have to tell me whatever it is."

Itachi threw his usual face on, returning it to stoic for the boy, who knew something was going on, but didn't know exactly what that thing was, and was going to find out, whatever it takes.

"There's nothing going on, Ryou."

Ryou threw up a dissatisfied face, knowing now more than anything that Itachi was lying to him. He didn't have to be aware of the sudden change in his eyes, he could tell by how his body shifted ever so slightly that he was lying, and he didn't like it one bit.

"I said don't take me for a fool. Something is going on. You have been acting strangely. Whatever it is, it's okay to tell me. I will...try and do anything to help you, with whatever is going on."

Itachi was taken back by how bravely, and boldly Ryouta had become. He never expected the kid to be so different, but he was proud that the boy had grown up in personality, at least when it concerns being brave.

"He's a good kid, but I can't involve him in this problem. He's...I can't ask him to do anything for me." Itachi thought sadly, and watched the boy cautiously, knowing that this child was quite intuitive when it came to these things. "Ryou, whatever is happening, you don't have to worry about it. Allow me to handle it this time, just make sure that Satsuki is well looked after. There's no one else, no other boy...man I would trust her too. So, you have to give me your word that you'll look after her, always. No matter what happens, no matter if she changes, or you change, you have to always be there for her, as she'll need you, and you her as well. So, do you promise me? I need your word, Ryou."

Ryou looked at Itachi, and tried to work out what was going on. But whatever he tried, he couldn't seem to get anything out of Itachi. His eyes hid his intentions well, and his body language also hid it well as well. No mater how hard he tried, Ryou couldn't figure out what was going on, so he sighed in resignation.

"Alright Itachi-nii, you're not going to tell me, I accept that. However, one day, I want to know what's going on, no matter what, alright? You have to tell me...because I learned this recently, and that thing was, people are around you. They will help you with whatever problem you have. Izumi-nee, and I will always be with you...and I have to repay your kindness."

"You don't have to repay me." Itachi stated. "You're a good kid, and I don't hold any feelings of resentment for that time." Itachi took a guess, and he knew he was right when he saw Ryou dip his head. Itachi reached out his hand, and petted the boys head softly. "It's alright, Ryou. I, understand that time, and I've seen you, and how you've acted with me. Your kindness outweighs the dark thoughts that entered your mind. And I knew from that night, you weren't really trying to kill me. You had numerous times to actually do harm to me, yet each time was stopped by your own kindness. You never used anything that you believed I couldn't handle. It's your greatest strength, your kindness. If you have your kindness, I'm sure that you'll be able to overcome many obstacles."

Ryouta smiled, but he held back his reservations. He was worried for Itachi, and knew something was wrong. No matter if he dodged the question, and dismissed him completely, Ryouta couldn't help but feel sad for Itachi, and how he chose to be all alone and do things alone, when he didn't have to be. Ryou was willing to help him, even if it was a trivial thing, but Itachi wasn't going to allow Ryou to help him, even if he wished for it.

"Itachi-nii, no matter what happens, I am glad that you're a good person. I know inside, that you're a good person."

Itachi's eyes shifted around a couple of times at the declaration that Ryouta had said, as it had reminded him of what Shisui used to say to him, and he was glad that he had a friend like Ryouta.

"I, thank you. Not many, people seem to think of me like this. But it is a good thing that you've said that. I was beginning to lose faith that anyone cared about me...but I see that you do, and it is enough for me."

"Hehe, don't forget Izumi-nee! She's in love with you Itachi-nii! There's nothing sweeter than that! But if you ever hurt her, I will personally kick your butt! She's dead important to me Nii-chan, so if you hurt her feelings, I will have to take out my punishments on you!"

Itachi chuckled and ruffled Ryouta's hair.

"Right. I love Izumi as well, I wouldn't hurt her. And if I did, I would accept any punishment you'd give me. But you really care about Izumi, don't you? Why is that anyway? She's not related to you, so why do you care so much?"

It was a question that caught Ryouta off guard. He never questioned why he loved Izumi before. He never even gave it a second thought that he would love her more than anything else.

"I...don't really know why. It's just, because Nee-chan always is there for me. She takes care of me, and loves me despite all of my faults. She doesn't judge me, and doesn't want to leave me. Even after everything that happened, even after I said she could, all she did was smile and say "Don't worry Ryouta-kun, I love you so much, I wouldn't ever leave you." and then I would feel good about, everything. She would make everything better. If she wasn't here, I don't think I could've survived Shi-nii's death...I couldn't be who I am without her."

Itachi looked directly at the boy, and saw how much he did care for Izumi. He was so happy about that, he was also happy that he has someone like Izumi watching for him. She might not be the strongest, but to Itachi and Ryouta, she has strength that they don't possess, and both loved her.

"That's...sweet, Ryou. You're..."

At that time, Izumi came walking over, and bent over and showed a dazzling smile.

"Alright boys, time to stop whatever you're doing, and come and enjoy my food. I've made some amazing food for my amazing guys. So come on boys, and lets enjoy the camping experience."

Ryou walked over and hugged her around her waist.

Izumi blinking in confusion, before putting a hand to the back of his head, and stroking it softly.

"Hmm? Is something the matter sweetheart?"

"No, nothing. I just really like hugging Nee-chan, that's all."

Izumi smiled bewitchingly, and looked towards Itachi.

"Come on, lets go and get something to eat."

Itachi nodded, and was about to move when a shift in the air caught his attention, and for the briefest of seconds, he thought he sensed something, or someone, nearby, and stopped himself, looking towards the tree there.

His eyes focused on the top of the branches, and he activated his Sharingan to show whatever was there his seriousness. But he didn't see anything, however the thoughts that he thought someone was there was fresh in his mind, and he couldn't keep his eyes off the tree.

Izumi looked at tree, and became worried, knowing the subtle looks that Itachi uses when he senses someone's presences, so did the only thing she could and pushed Ryouta behind her, in a protective stance.

"Itachi-kun, is someone there?"

Itachi continued to look at the tree for a number of moments, before releasing a breath, and shook his head.

"No. For a second, I thought...well, it doesn't matter now. Come on, lets try this amazing food Izumi."

Izumi smiled, and turned around with Ryou, and by taking his hand, she lead him to the campsite.

As Itachi was about to follow them, he took one last look at the tree, and saw something he didn't want to see, and sharpened his the trees, in a threatening gaze.

Itachi then turned from the trees, and walked towards the campsite, and met up with Izumi and Ryouta, so they could enjoy the food that Izumi made for the two of them, all the while, keeping his eyes sharp.

A figure appeared from behind the tree, wearing a swirling mask. The masked stranger looked at the three of them together, and took note of how close Izumi and Itachi were together.

"Hmmm, it seems that Itachi is really close to this Izumi...hmmm, on one hand, she isn't much in power wise...however, she's also...yes, if that was to happen, I can see Itachi...yes, that would be perfect..." The masked figure thought out a plan, then looked on to see Ryou sat on Izumi's lap, feeding the girl while she feeds him, the closeness being something that made the mask strange scoff at. "I see that even she makes him happy as well. Izumi Uchiha...she might be weak, but she's got those two, who'd do...anything for her. She's certainly...a valuable piece of the puzzle and with the right training, that medical expertise could be useful as well. However...she's more useful as a loved one to those two, she'll come in handy alright. See you soon, Ryou."

After thinking that, the masked stranger disappeared from view in a mass of swirls that originated from the hole on the mask, leaving no trace of their existence behind for anyone to see...but Itachi that is, who was aware of the persons presence, and was unhappy about it.

---

Next day...

"Alright, Ryouta-kun. I'm gonna have to split off from you here, I need to head home and get something's then I will come straight back to you, alright sweetheart?"

Izumi explained as they walked into the Uchiha Compound.

Having since come back from the training camp, Itachi had split off from them, for unknown reasons, not that either of them minded. Since they did spend a couple of days with him, they figured that he needed to do something's, and didn't question it at all.

"Yeah, is that right Nee-chan?"

Ryouta offhandedly commented as they briskly strolled through the Uchiha Compound.

"Hmmm, yeah. Gotta go and see Kaa-chan and all that, then grab something's from home as well. You know, I've not seen her much lately, and I should go and see her every now and again, ya know?"

"Ooh...yes. That's my fault Nee-chan. I'm sorry. Why don't you spend time at home with her this evening?"

Ryouta offered kindly, and took note that the Uchiha streets seemed to be a little quiet, but could still see people around, so they weren't worried or anything like that, though shivers kept going down Ryouta's spine.

Even though he offered kindly, Izumi gently shook her head.

"That's kind hunny, but I'm alright. I have to make sure that you're alright. Shisui-san left you to me, so I'm gonna make sure that you're alright from now on."

Izumi openly declared to the boy, a conviction in her eyes.

Though, Ryouta could tell that she was sad, and he didn't want to see her sad, so he gave a shake of his head, stopping her from trying to convince him that she shouldn't go home.

"No, it's alright. Even if he did say that, you're still your own person and I don't want you to centre your life around me. She's still your Okaa-sama, you should spend time with her. I wish I could've spent more time with Shi-nii, and since your Kaa-chan is still here, you should get in all of time that you can, you know?"

Izumi took his words to heart, and could agree with him. She knew she was blessed with a loving mother, and she did feel slightly guilty that she didn't spend enough time with her, as she was someone she loves very much.

"Even if I do, I couldn't leave you when you need me. It's alright, she understands that this is a fragile time for you."

Ryouta shook his head, and pointed ahead.

"Please go, Izumi-nee. You've given more than enough to me. I will be alright tonight, don't worry. I'm sure that Satsuki-chan would want to sleep next to me, and so will Mikoto-san if I ask. We'll be alright. Please spend time with your Kaa-chan and say "Hey!" for me, okay Nee-chan?"

Izumi was conflicted on what to do.

On one hand, she wanted to make sure that Ryouta was okay. But on the other hand, she did want to spend time with her mother. She loved her mother, and while she hadn't been around lately, it didn't mean that she didn't love her mother more than anything, at least she was on par with someone like Itachi and Ryouta.

But when she saw the determined look on the boys face, she couldn't help but smile softly and relented. That's all she could do now, she couldn't fight against him, especially when he was making sure that she would go.

"Alright, if you think you don't need me..."

"It's alright Nee-chan. I'm gonna be alright. Go and spend time with your Kaa-chan. While you have her, you should enjoy her as much as you can. I just wish I could do that with Shi-nii...but you've got your Okaa-sama to think about as well as me. I'm sure that she's lonely and would love a visit from her daughter."

Getting reassurance from Ryouta, Izumi couldn't help but break out into a smile, at the prospect of spending time with her mother.

"Hehe, okay! Thanks Ryouta-kun, you're very grown up right now. You're sweet to say these things to me, and offer me such a chance. It is going to be nice to see her again, to see Kaa-chan and spend time with her. But if you need me, don't hesitate to come and get me."

"Okay! Don't worry, go and have fun! I'll be fine!"

Ryouta put his thumb up, and winked at the same time, giving his approval for the girl.

"Hehe, you're a good boy. Love you!"

"Love you too Nee-chan!"

The two embraced one another and then Izumi split off from Ryouta, skipping home happily.

Ryouta, who had split off from Izumi, began his long journey home.

He was walking home after the days events that happened not long ago with Itachi and Izumi, and was smiling happily to himself. The dark was settling in, yet he didn't really seem to mind that much. Houses lined up beside him from both left and right, with the sun behind him. His shadow was cast in front of him, and he looked at it curiously.

As he walked through the dark streets of the Uchiha Compound, he had shivers go up and down his spine. Few times, he was tempted to grab the tanto on his back, just for reassurance and to scare away any feelings that he had right now...and if anyone was following him as well, he didn't want that.

He bit his lip, and casually looked around, and noticed that he had gone into a dark street, with no one else around. Silently, he wished that there were people on the streets, but no one was around.

That was what he was annoyed at, and was confused at. Usually, the streets would be packed with Uchiha, and they'd either say nasty or nice things to him, either of those things would be enough for him right now, as while he didn't admit it, he was feeling more and more frightened.

It was as if there was something deep inside of him...

It felt like a hand was choking him right now, malicious intent being known to him. This malicious intent was too much for him, and he wanted to run away right at this instance.

But he knew if he ran, he would be the target of some unknown force...or that's what he was thinking right now. So, he did the only thing that he could right now, and tried his best to ignore the feelings while remaining vigilant.

Unknown to the boy, walking across the rooftops like a shadow was the masked stranger. The person walked slowly, matching the speed of the boy, yet kept the distance that they needed to keep.

"Spending time in the dark, isn't good for young boys, Ryou. Especially boys that are valuable like you are. There could be any number of things outside waiting to snatch you up."

The masked stranger smirked from under their mask as they muttered that so quietly that it could've been a thought, but travelled along the wind, and for a brief instant, Ryouta was sure something was happening, but shrugged his shoulders, and walked a little bit faster.

Naturally, the masked stranger picked up the pace as well.

They walked together in tandem. It was as if they were mirroring the others footsteps. Ryouta's, and the masked strangers walking was timed with one another, though was unaware of the others movements, as far as facial expressions could tell anyway.

But suddenly, the masked person moved from the top of the rooftops, and silently dropped behind Ryouta, who remained blissfully unaware of the dangers he was in, only caring that he could get home for dinner.

The masked stranger inched closer and closer to the boy. Reaching out their hand, the masked persons hand came very close to the boys head, so close that a single movement of their finger could be enough to alert the boy to their presence.

THRUST!

However, within a second, Ryouta suddenly withdrew the tanto on his back, and swung it at the strangers neck and stopped within three inches of said strangers neck, holding it so he could decapitate the stranger at any second, while activating his Sharingan, glaring at the stranger.

"Move your hand back now or I will cleave off your head. Don't make me kill you either."

Ryouta threatened, to the bemusement of the stranger who allowed a titter to escape their lips.

"My, haven't we gotten sharp witted young boy? And such a dangerous tone in your voice. I'm quaking in my boots...that is, if I did wear them, Ryou. Unfortunately, you lack the true darkness in your heart that could scare truly evil existences."

Ryou glared at the stranger, and inched the blade closer to the persons neck trying to intimidate the person in front of him.

"I asked you to move your hand back. So do as I say, and I wont have to kill you, you stalker." The persons eye visibly widened at the accusation that Ryouta gave as he continued. "Yeah, I know you've been following me for two weeks now, on and off. And I know that you were on the cliff that day, I know it was you. I want to know why you've been following me. Also, if you're going to stalk someone, make sure to conceal your shadow, that was tipped me off to your location at all times. You're not that stealthy."

The masked stranger chuckled deeply within the mask, and moved their hand slowly backwards, until it fell at their side.

"I see, if that's what you think, Ryouta Uchiha. What makes you think I didn't want you to see me? For all you know, I could've wanted you to see my shadow, to see how far you've come and your reactions as well. Then again, I could be sloppy. Who knows by this point?"

Ryou didn't understand what the being in front of him was saying, it didn't make any sense at all. Forever, Ryou was in confusion, however he wasn't going to allow that to show.

"I don't know what your intentions are, but you cannot stalk me and get away with it. Whatever it is you want, you can report to Hokage-sama. I'm sure that he'd like to have a few words with you. Infiltration of Konoha is a crime. I wonder what kind of punishment Hokage-sama has in store for you?"

The person merely laughed a little at the boys words, finding them funny.

"You're quite scary right now Uchiha-kun. I'm already sweating under my mask." The person joked, despite the seriousness of the situation. "You've become quite good at noticing things like this, haven't you? But, alas. You've not yet to reach your full potential. That is a shame."

The masked stranger sighed from underneath said mask, all the while keeping their visible eye on the boys blade, and the boy himself as well.

Ryou watched the hands with hawk like eyes, and saw that the person twitched their fingers, so he then gave another command.

"Put your hands outwards and together, slowly. Don't make me mention how close my blade is to your neck. So do it nice and slow, and blood wont have to be split this night, specifically your blood. Am I making myself clear right now?"

"Crystal clear."

The masked person answered, and did as Ryou asked, only for their bemusement. The hands stayed in front of the person as if said person was handcuffed together, though no cuffs had actually been placed on their wrists.

Then, after doing that, the masked stranger started laughing to the confusion of Ryou.

"I don't know what you think is funny, but this isn't a funny situation. If I so do choose to do so, I could cut off your head, and you'll die. You don't want to die, do you?"

"Dying? What makes you think that you could? Really, it takes special kind of children to murder others. You do not have that passion within you right now. Though that doesn't mean it isn't within you deeply."

Ryouta pushed the blade even closer to the persons neck, and twitched his hand with a menacing look in his eyes for the older opponent.

"I've got my blade to your neck, and I am not afraid to use it. If it is against someone so...full of hate and anger like you...you've got malicious intentions, haven't you? So, if you direct that at me, I will take that as an attack, and retaliate the best that I can, and right now, I like my odds pretty well. Right now, I've got the advantage, and I am not afraid to use them to my advantages either."

Ryouta finished, and tightened his grip very tight and his eyes stared directly at the figure before him, looking for any hints of movements, so he could be ready to stop the person before him.

"Anger and hate huh...so, he does have Itsuki-sama's emotional connection, does he? That's better than I could hope for." The stranger smirked from under the mask darkly, and opened their visible eye just enough to make their intentions known. "Using it, takes a strength that not everyone has. Though, your eyes tell me that you'd do it for someone precious to you. Perhaps...Shisui Uchiha?"

"Shut up!" Ryouta spat out, and growled angrily. "Don't mention his name in my presence, or I will cleave off your head you bastard or bitch...I guess either works for either gender so...bitch, I will murder you if you don't start being cooperative, bitch. You're a bitch if you don't stop whatever it is you're doing...bitch...you're a...bitch."

He ended and mentally berated himself for picking up Izumi's habit of saying bad words uncontrollably.

A snicker could be heard from the elder opponent of Ryouta's who pouted angrily.

"You're a strange child. Even when you're swearing, you have to try and justify it by gender. Most swears work with any gender, something to keep in mind. Plus it sounds adorable when you try and be mean, as it isn't you. You cannot be mean, as that's not your nature, something to keep in mind as well. Your version of threatening is cute, rather than scary." Ryou narrowed his eyes at the masked stranger, who smirked beneath the mask. "As I was saying, you wouldn't kill me. You and I, are similar. In this world, only I could understand you."

"Don't be stupid, many people understand me. And I doubt you'd understand someone like me." Ryou barked back at the stranger, and tightened his grip on the handle of his blade. "Now be a good boy, girl, whatever you are, and tell me what's going ...for some reason, I feel like...no, I just want to know what you're doing here. And what's with the mask? Why are you covering your identity?"

Ryouta questioned the masked stranger, wanting to know as much as he can so he could tell the Hokage. While he was slightly scared, he knew that he had the advantage, and he could use it if necessary.

"My identity...I'm, no one. That's the reason I wear the mask. I'm nothing, and I will return to nothing either. You see, you and I walk a similar path. I lost my family at a young age as well, and everything I held dear abandoned me, just like yourself."

"N-No one abandoned me..."

Ryouta replied weakly, and tried to distance himself, but then remembered what he needed to do, and kept on his stance against the masked stranger.

"What about Shisui? I'm sure that he did."

The masked stranger countered the boy, who looked visibly shaken by it.

"N-No he didn't abandon me. He's...he wouldn't abandon me, you don't know anything about it, so keep your mouth shut."

Again, Ryouta gave his reply, but it was even more weak than before.

Seeing such an opportunity, the masked strange twitched its neck, and winked with one eye.

"Funny, because I call committing suicide abandonment. He wanted to get away from you, because that's what people like him do to people like us. We're destined to walk this planet alone, always searching for an answer. People like you and I, are always destined to be alone. It doesn't matter if you believe that you're surrounded by people who love you, they'll all disappear in the end. Trust me, I know this for a fact."

"Maybe you are and you ended up with nothing, but I'm nothing like you! I have friends, now shut up while I take you to Hokage-sama!" Ryouta growled out as a answer, and cocked his blade to the side, it nearing the strangers throat. "Now start walking stranger or I will have to get stabby! Don't think I wont, because I would do it to people who wish to cause harm!"

Ryouta ordered and pointed backwards, all the while keeping the blade at the persons neck.

"You'd really take me to the Hokage, when I killed Shisui Uchiha?"

"BASTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARD!"

Something snapped within Ryou as soon as he heard those words, and cleaved through the persons neck...or that was the plan.

The blade did indeed go through the persons neck, but it didn't kill the stranger. The sword phased through the persons neck, to the utter disbelief of Ryouta himself who tried it again, but the same result happened, shocking him very much.

"Ouch, that tickled."

The masked stranger joked with the boy while stretching their limbs upwards and released a yawn from their mouth.

"Don't you dare do that! If you killed Shi-nii, then you're going to die! I'll kill you right here and now!"

Ryou went on the offensive, and slashed against the torso, legs, head, arms and every part of the body that he could.

But the same result happened again and again. The blade merely passed through the persons body, showing no indication that said blade had actually done any damage. But Ryou didn't stop. He wanted to hurt this person right now, since they had admitted to killing Shisui. That, alone was enough to make him extremely angry, wanting to destroy this person.

He tried for a minute, but he eventually stopped, and held his blade as he panted hard.

"B-But how is that possible? I just slashed through you many times. You're not an illusion, I can see your chakra. If this was a Shadow Clone, then you would've disappeared. If this was an ordinary clone, I'd be able to tell instantly with my Sharingan...and if this was Genjutsu, I'd be able to see through it. So...what are you? What Jutsu is that?"

Ryouta was extremely confused.

He hadn't ever come across something so...dangerous before. A Jutsu that allowed everything to either pass through the person, or simply make the blade bounce off the person somehow without Ryouta realizing. Whatever it is, Ryou was frightened, and didn't know if he should try and run, or fight. Whatever he did, he needed to make sure that this stranger doesn't get him.

The stranger crossed their fingers, and pointed with them at Ryouta, who flinched at the sight.

"My, Jutsu is exclusive to me. You cannot hurt me. Stab at me, slice through me, even punch me or fire Jutsu's of your own at me, and I will remain unharmed. However, that doesn't mean I can't hurt you."

Ryou jumped backwards and got into a stance.

"Y-You...why are you here...? Why do you keep following me...did you kill Shi-nii?"

The masked stranger moved forward a little, and waved a hand at the boy.

"That was merely a lie, to see if you had what it takes to kill. And you do. If I wasn't who I was, you could've killed me at that time, and you wanted too as well. I saw it, the hate in your eyes. You hated me for such a brief instant that you lost all self control, and attacked me, when you said you'd take me to the Hokage. That kind of quality...excites me."

"That's different to this." Ryou retorted and breathed deeply. "You said something so terrible, something that you shouldn't even joke around about. Shi-nii is gone, and you say that you killed him, that's too much for someone like me. But you haven't just come to merely taunt me, so tell me what you're doing. Why do you stalk me so? What could you possibly want from me?"

Ryouta right now was...scared.

He has come up against an opponent he doesn't know how to handle. He can't even begin to understand on how to handle this opponent. He can't touch him, yet while the stranger hasn't shown it, he could only guess that said stranger could hurt him if he or she wanted.

"From you huh? Right now, nothing. In time, everything. For now though, you'll come in handy. Now be a good boy and I wont have to hurt you. Trust me, I don't want to hurt you, but I will if you leave me no choice."

Ryou took a step back, but then gained fire in his eyes, and took a stance.

"I wont go with you willingly you son of a bitch!"

With that, Ryouta rushed the masked stranger with the sword behind him.

"I see, then you've chosen the hard option. Guess I don't have a choice."

He/she sighed a little as the boy crossed the distance and slashed at him/her.

As expected, the boy went though the strangers body and appeared at the other side of him/her. At that moment, the stranger rushed around to appear in front of the boy, and locked him up in a bear hug, crushing him slowly.

"G-Get off!"

Ryouta struggled, but since the stranger was holding him so tight, he couldn't move.

"Sorry, but you chose the hard way. Looks like I have to get a little heavy handed with you. Don't worry though, you'll be safe after everything happens, especially with what's gonna happen next to the Uchiha."

"T-To Uchiha...?"

Ryou whimpered out, the feeling of fear overtaking him as he was continued to be crushed.

"Yes, that's right. Soon, nearly all will be gone." The lone he/she looked into Ryouta's eyes with their one eye, and a mysterious red glow was shown from the eye hole, and it looked directly into Ryouta's eyes. "Be a good boy, and sleep for awhile."

As the person said that, the world changed around them. It became red, blood red in fact. The ground below them turned to blood as well that raised from the ground, coating the pair in said blood. Screams of the dead could be heard by Ryouta himself who shivered at the sight.

The stranger let go of Ryou's body, but wires came from all over the area. Some attached to his wrists, hanging him upwards. Some around his ankles, doing the same as the ones around his wrists. Then some wrapped around his neck, causing strangulation to occur.

"This is my world now, Ryou. And you'll never escape this place."

The masked figured laughed a little at the situation of the boy.

When the boy didn't answer, the wires tightened, cutting into his skin, and neck, his body leaking blood from the places that the wires cut. However, the boy didn't howl out in pain, nor did he make any indication that he was in pain either.

"Hmm, so you have a good pain tolerance, do you? No matter, it isn't going to save you in the end."

Ryouta didn't answer him, wincing a little as the wires cut into him. It was painful, it was as if all of his skin was being ripped off by these wires. However, he wasn't going to give into this strangers world, knowing exactly what has happened to him.

At the next moment, the person clicked his/her fingers, and a long sword appeared within the hands of the stranger, and he/she aimed the blade at Ryouta's neck.

"Now this is what I call justice, don't you?" Each time he/she spoke, it was like an echo for the young boy, so distant, yet so close at the same time. It was frightening, but Ryouta didn't bow down before this opponent. "Not gonna talk? It's alright, just suffer some torture, then I will knock you out."

The stranger smirked from beneath their mask, and inched closer.

The boy then looked directly at the stranger, and his Sharingan was activated to its purest form, showing the three tomoe's that spun around. As the man/woman looked at the boys eyes, it was as if he/she was hypnotized.

In the next instance, roles were reversed. It was now the masked man/woman strapped down by the wires, and it was Ryouta who was stood before him/her holding the sword that the man/woman had previously.

"W-What did you do!?" The stranger panicked, not expecting this. "You turned it around on me!?" The stranger growled out, but then the rational side of its brain began to work. "Must've been Itachi or Shisui who taught him to turn around people's Genjutsu with the Sharingan...but for him to take me by surprise like this. Next time, I will be ready to stop him from using his Genjutsu on me."

The stranger concluded with a sly grin, that went unseen by Ryouta.

Ryouta raised the blade up, and got into a swinging position.

"This is my world now bitch! Welcome to your new Hell!"

Ryouta then swung the sword at the strangers neck, this time fully ready to take out the person who attempted to harm him and would even say anything about Shisui, which was a berserk button for him.

"I don't think so!"

A strange red light shot out of the mask, and destroyed the world around them, shattering like glass, and with that, the sword had disappeared as well, them being revealed back to the real world, standing (or being held in Ryouta's case) in the same place they had been beforehand.

Visibly shaken by what happened, Ryouta resisted the urge to throw up at the first instance. He was so frightened that he couldn't even begin to imagine what was going to happen. It took a lot of power to turn the illusion back on the person, and he suspected that the only reason he could do it, is because he caught the stranger off guard.

"You've got some skill, just like Shisui. Well done, Ryou. You're good, and will serve my purposes soundly in the future. For now though, you're going to have to take a nap for me. I did want to do this without physically hurting you, but that's no longer possible."

BANG!

From behind, the mysterious stranger slammed their fists into Ryouta's back.

"Gwah!"

The result was Ryouta coughed up blood that splattered onto the mask of the stranger who didn't even bat an eyelid at the sight, and his eyes rolled into the back of his head due to the force the person used on him.

As his eyes started to close, Ryouta looked directly at the mask of the stranger, and glared.

"Y-You can take me...but you...are...lonely...you...lost someone...I feel it...you lost...someone you love...just like me...you lost...everything...but I am...not like...you...you can't...make me...your pet...I wont...bow down...to you..."

At that, Ryouta lost consciousness.

After he did, the masked stranger let go of the boys body, and allowed him to fall onto the ground slowly, making little sound. His seemingly lifeless body laid on the ground, the only indication that he was still alive was the fact that his chest was moving up and down slightly.

Seeing him down like he was, the strange ran a hand through their thick hair and sighed softly.

"You might say that Ryou, but we're destined to end up the same. Just watch, we've got the same eyes, the same love for others around us...at least, we did. Now, all we have is empty loneliness."

Swirls appeared around the persons mask, more specifically the eye area, and it sucked in Ryouta, leaving nothing of him behind, not even a single strand of his hair. It was as if he wasn't there anymore, gone to the world.

Once that was complete, the adult released a breath and looked to the side.

"Seems like someone is about to be in for a shock...aah that's right, it is about time to meet with Itachi. Fufufu, this is going to turn out to be interesting alright. I wonder how this is all going to play out now?"

With that, the masked stranger disappeared in a swirling mass, leaving nothing of his/her presence behind either, the two of them disappearing completely, no one aware that Ryouta had just been kidnapped...and no one but the stranger knew what they were going to do to him.

---

With Izumi...

"Ooh dear, look~ Izumi-chan is back~"

"Aah, well hello Izumi-chan."

"My, you've gotten beautiful since the last time I saw you~"

"Yay! Izumi-chan is back! She's really back!"

Izumi walked the streets of Konoha as people left and right greeted her. As she took in the greetings, her mind couldn't help but go towards Ryouta and Itachi, the two men in her life, and how she loves them both so much.

She couldn't help it. Right now, despite everything that has happened, is one of the best times in her life. She has her friends, her family, and Itachi. All in all, life was perfect right now. And she was going to go and spend time with her mother. Nothing could be more perfect right now.

"Hehe, hello everyone. You all look happy today. Has something happened?"

She questioned as she raised her eyebrows, finding it curious that there didn't seem to be many Uchiha the way that Ryouta went, but she shrugged it off and awaited the answers of the masses around her.

"Ooh no, we're just glad you're back."

An old woman answered, grinning from ear to ear, making Izumi smile happily at the sight.

"Yes yes, we like Izumi-chan very much. She's very kind."

Another Uchiha said with a smile for the young girl.

"Of course she is, she's always been a kind girl. She's really bright as well."

"She's the apple of her Okaa-sans eyes that one is."

"Of course she is, she's a Medical Ninja now, and a pretty good one as well."

"Heck yeah, she's even going to be a doctor within a few years."

"Also a nurse! She's going for the exams soon!"

As more and more nice comments came her way, the girl couldn't help but blush in embarrassment. It was embarrassing that they'd all say nice things to her, and found it sweet.

But at the same time she'd wish that they'd say kind things about Itachi as well, as she believes he's done more than she has, and doesn't like it when people say bad things about him. She didn't have to worry about Ryou, as she knew that these Uchiha would be kind to him now.

"Nee-chan is the best after all!"

"She's gonna be a great Uchiha!"

"Yay for Onee-sama! Welcome back!"

Children all gathered around Izumi and started dancing around her slowly while said girl watched them with a happy face, full of contentment.

It wasn't a secret that she was well liked within the clan, at least people that weren't involved with Fugaku as much. It was because she was a kind girl. She'd go out of her way to help anyone, and if you were her friend, she'd do anything for you. People within the clan respected that, and found it endearing that she has taken up the role to raise Ryouta, despite how young she is herself. All in all, this girl was someone the clan loved dearly.

"Hehe, thank you for the kind words. You're all so very nice! But I'm just a girl like everyone else. I'm only doing what the others want me to do, and trying my best. That's all. I don't deserve all of your kindness."

She humbly replied with a bashful face.

She then felt something tug on her skirt, so she looked down and saw a little girl with black hair and matching eyes, wearing red glasses. The girl looked as if she had been crying for sometime, but Izumi didn't know what the cause was.

"Ooh, what's wrong sweetheart? Has something happened?"

Izumi offered sweetly, trying to probe the girl for information on the tears coming from her eyes.

"Onee-sama, I-I cut my leg..."

Izumi looked at the girls leg, then at the girls face, and smiled, while petting her head.

"There's nothing to worry about. I'll definitely treat it right away."

Izumi bent down and put a hand to the wound on the girls leg. Activating her Jutsu, she healed the girls leg straight away while wearing a bright smile on her face, a comforting smile for the young girl.

Once the girls leg was healed, the girl smiled up at Izumi who did the same.

"There, no more crying now. You're all better."

Izumi comforted, and happily stood tall before the young girl.

"Thanks Onee-sama!"

The little girl ran off as Izumi continued home, bowing respectfully towards the others as she left.

As she walked home, something overcame her heart, and she had to stop for a few seconds. It was so strong that she was forced off her feet, and onto her knees.

"W...What was that...?" She wondered aloud, and looked around but nothing came to her. "There's nothing..."

She muttered, and stood tall. For a brief second, there was a pain within her heart, a pain like no other she had felt before, but it was quickly dissolved.

Izumi, while being wary, continued home, walking a little faster than she usually would. Something compelled her to get home straight away, but she doesn't understand why this would be.

When she made it home, she took a relaxing breath and walked towards her front door, yawning slightly, glad that she could return home.

"I'm home, Kaa-chan."

Izumi announced, walking through the door and seeing her mothers shoes at the door, knowing she was here, but no answer was heard by the young girl.

The girl cocked her head to the side, before shrugging her shoulders, and walked into the home fully.

Taking off her shoes at the door, she stored them to the side so no one would trip over them, and cast her eyes to the side, the stairs being in sight.

"Kaa-chan, where are you?"

Izumi asked as she walked up the stairs situated to the right of the doorway. She traversed the stairs, and walked all the way to the second level of the house.

She looked around, but couldn't see her mother. Down the long corridors, she couldn't see her mother around, and found it to be really strange, but didn't feel like anything was off, so she didn't give it much thought.

She then looked down at her clothes, and plucked them with her fingers, seeing dust and grime coming off her shirt, and shorts as well, and frowning as she prided herself in her clothes, and her appearance, and right now she was less than stellar.

"Ewww, these clothes smell. Better change them."

Deciding to change her clothes, she went into her room, and threw her bag onto the ground since it was beginning to weigh her down, with everything that was in it, ranging from her medical text books, to other things that she thought she'd need.

Once inside of her room, she looked around and saw a picture of Itachi and smiled happily, but then she remembered the reason she came into the room in the first place.

"Phew, a change of clothes! Get out of these smelly ones!"

She threw her hands up happily and stripped down to her bra and panties, and went into the closet. Since she thought she wouldn't be leaving the house again today, she changed into nightwear, something she rarely used when she was actually in said bed.

After changing into her nightclothes and undid her hair from the ponytail she had in with her long hair flowed down her back, she picked up her dirty clothes she had been wearing, and left the room.

"Kaa-chan, I'm home now. Ryouta-kun said he doesn't need me tonight, so lets have a girly night, alright? We can paint one another's toenails, and everything else that we do. Hey, lets stuff ourselves with chocolate okay? Screw the diet, it can start again tomorrow hehe~"

She said in a cheery voice, but again she didn't get a reply.

That caused her slight confusion, and as she walked down the stairs, she looked towards the living room, but didn't see anyone.

"Hmmm, where are you Kaa-chan? Your shoes are here...so come out now, wherever you are~ If you're playing a joke on me, it isn't funny~"

She travelled down the long corridor, and went towards the kitchen while a nervous feeling slowly entered her heart.

As she moved, she looked in other rooms, to see if her mother was there, but she wasn't there. An unfriendly feeling was setting into her chest as she couldn't find her mother, and she was becoming increasingly worried for her mother.

When she made it to the kitchen, she steeled herself, and put her hand out in front of her.

"This is unlike Kaa-chan...where is she?" She muttered to herself and pushed the door to the kitchen. "Kaa-chan are you in...here..."

She trailed off, and her eyes opened wide when she looked into the kitchen.

What she saw on the ground was a woman of a middle age. She looked like an older version of Izumi, except that she had two beauty marks on her chin, as opposed to Izumi who had one under her eye. Around the woman, was a red substance set in, creating a pool of the red liquid.

The kitchen itself remained relatively clean, showing no signs of a struggle. Whatever happened, happened quickly, without a fuss. Not that it helped Izumi any right now, as it was becoming apparent that...something devastating happened.

"K-Kaa-chan..." Izumi muttered out, her eyes filling up with tears. "Kaa-chan! Kaa-chan!" Izumi rushed to her mother and flipped her over as she sat down in the blood, seeing a large wound on the woman's chest, and gasped. "Kaa-chan! It's okay, I'm here now! I'll heal you now!"

Izumi put her hand to her mothers chest and activated her Medical Ninjutsu. The faint green chakra appeared around her hand, and went towards Izumi's mothers chest, desperately trying to revive her mother.

Izumi tried her best to heal her mothers wound, but whatever she did, she could tell that it was...the end. No matter how hard she tried, her mother wasn't responding to anything. Her voice, her healing of the wound, anything.

Izumi's fears were becoming more and more certain as time went on, and with her Medical Ninjutsu failing, Izumi was becoming distraught. Tears slipped out of her eyes, falling onto her mothers cheeks, and rolling down the middle aged woman's face.

"Kaa-chan, please...please wake up...okay? I'm back now...please just open your eyes...please..."

Izumi pleaded with her mother, but nothing had an effect.

Izumi tried more and more things she could think of. Using as much chakra as she could, trying to pump her heart to make the blood flow again, closing the wound with her chakra. All of these things, and more were tried to save the middle aged woman's life, but nothing worked.

When Izumi realized it, she held a hand to her mouth, and a squeak was released, tears pouring out of her eyes like a waterfall.

"Kaa-chan...no please don't be...please just wake up...please open your eyes...and tell me this is just a lie...this is a nightmare...Kaa-chan. It has to be a nightmare...this isn't real..."

Izumi denied it.

She didn't have a choice but to deny it. Even with the realization dawning on her, she didn't want to accept what was happening. To her, everything was going great. She had her boyfriend, she had the love and support from Ryou as well, and she had a loving mother. Since she had already lost her father during the Nine Tails incident, she couldn't take much more of this.

"Noooo...please don't...you can't be gone...this is...no..."

Izumi quickly felt the bile growing in her throat, and rushed to the sink, and threw up what was inside of her stomach. She couldn't keep it inside of her stomach anymore, and had to release it.

She had seen something she never would've thought to be possible. She was frightened, and all she wanted right now was Itachi. She wanted Itachi by her side, and to tell her that this is a mistake. That her mother actually wasn't gone from this world.

Izumi loved her mother very much, which is why she wanted to reject this event from happening. She wanted to run away and escape from reality. Since she had lost her father before, she wasn't sure if she could handle losing her mother as well. She was sure this was going to do something that...would hurt her more than anything ever could.

Izumi ran some water from the tap, and splashed herself in the face with it, before forcing herself to look back at her own mother, and felt the pain happen all over again and tears flowed from her eyes.

"Kaa-chan...Kaa-chan...come back...come back...Kaa-chan..."

Her body wrecked with sobs, her heart feeling like it has been ripped out of her chest. She never expected anything like this to happen. She wasn't even gone all that long, and now she has seen something she shouldn't of seen in her life, and all she could do was sob uncontrollably.

As the tears fell from the girls eyes and the girls mind replay many memories of the times she had with her mother, all of the times that she was held by her mother, sang with her mother, laughed with her mother, and was just being genuinely happy with her mother, her Sharingan was activated.

Three tomoe's were shown to be in her eyes...until it began morphing into another shape all together.

The tomoe's disappeared, and was replaced with four black flower petal shapes with a petal at the four points of the compass that all converge around the middle. Before each side could touch, a small red line stopped them, a mere inch away from touching. In the middle, was a single red circle, the centre of the new eyes. Around he flower petals, the redness of the eyes could be seen.

"Kaa-chan...Kaa-chan..."

With her new eyes activated, Izumi continued to sob to herself, barely able to speak due to her choking on her own sobs, or even register anything that was happening around her. All she knew was that her mother was gone, was dead, murdered in her own kitchen without fighting back, and all Izumi wanted right now was...to have her mother back.

---

End chapter!

Wow, that was a sudden shocker at the end, huh. Now I'm sure most people are wondering why Izumi's mother is dead, and the answer is because Izumi needs to have the Mangekyou for the future arcs I have planned, plus this is the only way for her to awaken it (as the only other people that would cause such pain of loss would be Ryouta or Itachi and they aren't dying anytime soon) so Izumi's mother made a very brief, but memorable (even if dead) appearance and gave Izumi a new power, but as to these new powers she has...will be revealed in time. There will also be flashbacks in the future with her mother involved when the time comes for it to show what she was like as well. And I had the Mangekyou have the design of four flower petals, which I thought would fit Izumi perfectly and yes, this means Izumi is going to survive the Uchiha Massacre because I have some plans for her. But don't worry all Izumi fans, she'll have her happy ending eventually.

Anyway, there was some clan matters at the beginning, indicating the end of (most) Uchiha is to come with Mikoto and Fugaku back and forth, plus Mikoto believing in Itachi. And then some little bonding session between Itachi and Ryou even Itachi asking Ryouta to look after Satsuki, plus Izumi herself was there, practicing (torturing) Itachi's clone, with Itachi himself teaching something's to Ryouta, like how to use his Sharingan and the likes. But then, Ryouta was ambushed by the masked stranger, and taken away! What does this person wish to do with young Ryouta? All shall be revealed soon! Until next chapter!

Ryouta; Satsuki, Haku (fem), Karin, Sakura, Hanabi, Tsunade, Anko, Mikoto, Ino, Gaara (fem), Kurotsuchi, Samui, Fu, Sai (fem), Tsume, Hana, Yukimaru (fem). (WIP)